Apple May Be Scrapping Its In-House 5G Modem Efforts

We’ve seen reports from as early as 2019 that Apple was working on making its own 5G modems, and that it will be part of its own SoC. It would also later be decided that long-term chipmaker for the fruit company, TSMC, would be handing the production side of things. The iPhone maker has added other items to its list of things it wants to make in-house, but it looks like the 5G modem may get removed instead.

A post on South Korean online platform Naver claims that Apple is “reorganising its continued investments in its own 5G modem development department”, and has been doing so over the past few years. The post goes on to say that the project appears to have failed, and is expected to be “completely eliminated”.

The post does appear dubious on its own, but the claim has been corroborated by industry leakster @Tech_Reve via their own sources. This does somewhat reinforces the claim that the 5G modem integration into Apple silicon as quite thoroughly fallen through.

That being said though, there are currently more elements pointing to the opposite of these recent claims. For one, Apple has already signed a pretty expensive deal with Broadcom to make 5G components. Then there’s the initial deal of buying out the entire smartphone modem business from Intel back in 201

At any rate, considering the nature of this new claim’s source, it should be taken with a massive pinch of salt. Apple is stuck using 5G hardware from Qualcomm for at least another two years, and quite a lot can change in the meantime. Speaking of which, it would take more reports from more reputable sources corroborating these claims for them to be more likely.

Rumour Suggests Next iPhone SE Retains Predecessor’s Design; Gains 5G And A15 Chip

Apple is said to be releasing a new entry to its more occasional smartphone series, the iPhone SE, sometime in early 2022. According to Japanese blog Macotakara, the upcoming model will allegedly come with recent hardware for its core internals, but retains its predecessor’s overall design.

In regards to the latter, this means that the new SE will still sport the iPhone 8’s look once more. Therefore, it may also feature a 4.7-inch LCD display with large upper and lower bezels, a curved aluminium frame, and a single rear camera setup. Concurrently, this would see the return of the Touch ID-enabled Home Button below the phone’s screen as well.

As for hardware, Macotakara suggests the next-gen iPhone SE will be equipped with the 5G-enabled A15 chip – the same SoC that is featured in the brand’s current generation iPhone 13 series. Unfortunately, no information regarding its battery or its front and rear camera sensors were shared by the Apple-specialised Japanese blog. Lastly, it is said that the new SE will begin production this December, and is expected to be launched later in Spring 2022.

This actually isn’t the first time that Apple is rumoured to be releasing a follow-up model to its iPhone SE line-up. Back in June, reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo similarly suggested a new iteration of the phone with upgraded internals is currently in the works, and that it would also feature the same chassis as its predecessor. While the rumours are seemingly corroborating with each other, it is still worth reminding that both of which are unofficially sourced and may end up to be inaccurate in the end.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Now Available In Malaysia At RM 1899

Samsung has announced that the 5G variant of its Galaxy A52 smartphone is now available in Malaysia, about a month after the debut of the original. The newer model mostly shares similar hardware and camera specifications as its non-5G sibling, save for two components: it’s chipset and display.

Enabling 5G connectivity on the device is an octa-core Snapdragon 750G SoC, which is a slight bump over the 720G processor on the vanilla Galaxy A52. Naturally, the chip comes with a more recent GPU module for graphics rendering as well, namely the Adreno 619.

Featured as its display is a Gorilla Glass 5 protected 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 px and an under-display fingerprint scanner. Exclusive to this variant of the phone is its faster 120Hz refresh rate, as opposed to the original’s 90Hz-only display.

The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is also offered in a single memory configuration – specifically, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (expandable to 1TB via microSD). Other features include a battery capacity of 4,500mAh with 25W fast charging support via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC connectivity, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and also an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

Photography-wise, on the back of the phone is the same quad camera array as the non-5G Galaxy A52. Leading the charge is a OIS-equipped 64MP main camera, which is accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. Housed in the punch-hole cutout on its display is a 32MP selfie camera.

The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is available for purchase starting today via the brand’s Experience Stores, official e-store, and authorised dealers nationwide. It is priced at RM1,899, and is offered in four different colour choices: Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue, Awesome Black, and Awesome White. For your reference, the non-5G variant with the same memory configuration launched at RM1,499.

Samsung Galaxy A32 and Galaxy A32 5G: Two Worlds, Equally Awesome

Unpacked to the world for the first time last month, the Samsung Galaxy A Series 2021 are now readily available in Malaysia. As you may hear, these new devices aim to bring awesome to everyone. So, rest assured that the Galaxy A32 and Galaxy A32 5G are infused with the same spirit as well.

Ok, we know what you are thinking: bringing awesome to everyone is a bold promise and how a pair of sub-RM 1,200 devices can do that? Well, you could be astounded once you get a closer look at these newly launched phones.

LARGE IMMERSIVE DISPLAY

Despite being the most junior members of the 2021 Galaxy A Series, both phones are equipped with a large display for your viewing enjoyment. Specifically, the Galaxy A32 comes with a 6.4-inch Infinity-U screen that also features a Super AMOLED panel which has vibrant and vivid output.

Not only that, Galaxy A32’s screen also has a refresh rate of 90Hz that allows for smoother browsing and gaming experience. On another hand, the Galaxy A32 5G carries a much larger 6.5-inch Infinity-V display that could provide a more immersive experience when you’re enjoying your favourite contents.

ADVANCED CAMERA HARDWARE

For those that are interested in mobile photography, the 2021 Galaxy A Series carries plenty of tools that they can use to express themselves or help capture the best moment of their day. Things are no different for the Galaxy A32 and Galaxy A32 5G as both phones are equipped with an advanced quad camera setup.

On the Galaxy A32, you can rely on its 64MP main camera to deliver high-resolution image at every snap. The new phone also comes with an ultra-wide 8MP camera that helps provide additional perspective whenever the situation calls for it alongside a 5MP macro camera to capture those mesmerising close-up imageries and a 5MP depth camera for beautiful portrait shots.

As for the Galaxy A32 5G, its equally capable 48MP camera comes with 4K video recording capability which would allow you to craft your creation in ultra high-definition. Once the 5G network goes live in Malaysia later this year, you can then take advantage of its ultra-fast speed and get your 4K videos up online in no time.

SECURE AND INTUITIVE ACCESS

Security has always been an integral part of Samsung Galaxy devices and this applies to the 2021 Galaxy A Series devices too. Yup, even for wallet-friendly models such as the Galaxy A32 and Galaxy A32 5G which are still being protected by Samsung Knox security platform just like their high-end Galaxy S and Galaxy Note flagship-class siblings.

Additionally, the Galaxy A32 also features biometric protection in the form of an on-screen fingerprint scanner which is something that usually exists on higher-end devices. On another hand, the Galaxy A32 5G is equipped with an easy to reach side-mounted fingerprint scanner that still delivers a fast and secure phone unlocking experience.

What we have just listed above is just a fraction of what Galaxy A32 and Galaxy A32 5G have in store for you. Clearly, each model has its own strengths but nevertheless, both of these new 2021 Galaxy A Series phones still have the same mission: to bring awesome to everyone.

More importantly, don’t let their price tag elude you from seeing their awesomeness. The Galaxy A32 is now available in Malaysia for RM 1,099 while the Galaxy A32 5G can be obtained for RM 1,199.

Each purchase of these fresh new releases will also be accompanied by a free Samsung Soft Clear Cover. However, don’t take too long though as this offer will end on 30 April!

To learn more about the all-new Samsung Galaxy A32, you can head on to its official page at Samsung Malaysia’s official website. If you are more inclined towards Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, check out its equivalent page right here.

Alternatively, you can also just visit the nearest Samsung Experience Stores. This way, you can immediately have a hands-on encounter with them alongside on-location Samsung experts that can answer any questions that you may have about Galaxy A32 or Galaxy A32 5G right away.

Huawei Will Begin Charging 5G Royalties To Apple, Samsung And Others

Huawei announced it will begin charging fees for access to its patented 5G technologies – a move that will affect smartphone leaders like Apple and Samsung, Bloomberg and CNBC reported.

Frustrated by the continuing US sanctions, the Chinese tech giant has been trying to bolster and diversify its revenue streams. Huawei said it will be charging a “reasonable” royalty rate of up to US$2.50 (~RM10.29) for every phone that uses its 5G technology.

That US$2.50 cap might seem relatively modest compared to those of competitors. CNBC noted that Nokia caps its rate at €3 (~RM14.70) per device, while Ericsson charges from US$2.50 to US$5 (~RM20.59) per device.

For further comparison, chipmaker Qualcomm demanded US$7.50 (~RM30.88) from Apple for every iPhone, causing a feud between the tech giants, Bloomberg said. The companies finally made peace in 2019.

Huawei expects to pull in about US$1.2 billion (~RM4.9 billion) to US$1.3 billion (~RM5.4 billion) in revenue from patent licensing between 2019 and 2021. Obviously, those figures are likely to grow as the transition to 5G begins across the world.

Also, it’s plausible that Huawei is retaliating for a recent US move to further restrict component supplies for Huawei’s 5G devices. Washington, under Trump and now Biden, has often emphasised the need to protect American technology from Chinese firms.

Now, Huawei may be eager to publicly assert and leverage the dependence of others, especially in the West, on its technologies. In other words, it’s a game of tit for tat.

Biden Administration Puts New 5G Restrictions On Huawei Suppliers

It seems Huawei’s apparent overtures to the Biden administration hasn’t worked. The US government is placing new restrictions on suppliers that were previously granted a license to sell to the Chinese tech giant, sources told Bloomberg and Reuters.

These suppliers are now explicitly banned from selling Huawei components – semiconductors, antennas, batteries, and more – for use in or with 5G devices. This applies even if the component in question has nothing to do with 5G functioning, Reuters said.

The move by the Biden administration is partly aimed at enforcing uniformity among the license holders. Some of them were operating on under looser rules, causing confusion among companies and prompting complaints from them – especially during former President Trump’s administration.

Regardless, the Biden administration seems to be adopting much of its predecessor’s hardline approach against China and Huawei. Last month, Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei said he would welcome a call from Biden, and expressed hope for better relations under the new administration. That now seems increasingly unlikely.

In Washington, a bipartisan front has crystalised against Beijing and Chinese industry. Recent news that China-backed hackers breached Microsoft Exchange email servers may also have damaged hopes for a thaw in relations. Moreover, both countries are racing to boost their own semiconductor industries, driven by fears of the other’s advantages.

Samsung Malaysia Reduces Galaxy S20 FE 5G Price To RM 2999

With the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series earlier this year, one may expect that the models from its successor can be obtained at a lower price point. That is indeed the case with the Galaxy S20 FE 5G which was originally released in Malaysia in October last year.

The phone arrival in our market was received with quite a fanfare as it was the only Qualcomm Snapdragon-based Galaxy S20 model that was released in Malaysia while the rest of its sibling were equipped with the Exynos processor. Powered by Snapdragon 865, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G also features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED Full HD display with 120Hz refresh rate.

Samsung has also equipped the phone with a 12MP main camera alongside another 12MP ultra-wide camera as well as an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom capabilities. On the front, there is also a 32MP selfie camera.

In addition to having 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage, completing its general specifications is a 4500mAh battery that supports fast wired and wireless charging with a power rating of up to 25W and 15W respectively. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is also able to deliver reverse wireless charging output up to 4.5W.

When it was released in Malaysia five months ago, the phone command a price tag of RM 3,399 but now you can obtain it for RM 400 off at RM 2,999. Alternatively, you can also choose to get the LTE variant of Galaxy S20 FE which has also received a price cut from RM 2,699 to RM 2,299 but still couldn’t beat the rather odd RM 2,099 deal back in January.

5G To Be Available In Malaysia Later This Year; Infrastructure Will Be Managed By A Special Entity

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that Malaysians will be able to utilise 5G services by the end of this year. The rollout will be part of the MyDIGITAL initiative which also covers the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint.

The commercial availability of 5G in Malaysia has been subjected to multiple changes for the past one year. This is not exactly surprising though as there was a change of government not long after the previous administration kicked off the implementation of the next-generation mobile technology for our country.

Originally, 5G was supposed to be available in Malaysia by Q3 2020. However, the current Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Saifuddin Abdullah then made a remark during a Parliament session in November 2020 that the current government expects the rollout will only take place by the end of 2022 or early 2023.

Meanwhile, PM Muhyiddin stated that RM 15 billion will be invested for the rollout of 5G in Malaysia for the next 10 years. A government-owned special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be created to oversee the effort which is expected to create around 105,000 job opportunities.

Here is the interesting part: PM Muhyiddin stated that the 5G spectrum will be given to this SPV in order for it to implement and subsequently manage the national 5G infrastructure. In some ways, this sort of mirrors the implementation of the High Speed Broadband (HSBB) backbone although it involved TM rather than an all-new specialised entity.

PM Muhyiddin didn’t provide many details regarding this SPV in his speech but he did promise that all licensed telcos in Malaysia will have equal access to the 5G infrastructure. This method apparently will enable telcos to have a higher return on investment and also allows consumers to enjoy 5G at an affordable rate.

All in all, the 5G rollout announcement made by PM Muhyiddin today are rather general in nature. There are still plenty of questions that the government has to answer such as the exact timeline and detailed information regarding the 5G SPV that will be handling the national 5G infrastructure. We do hope that the answer will be revealed sooner rather than later.

Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon 480: Brings 5G and Other Premium Features To Lower-Tier Devices

Qualcomm has announced a new member for its Snapdragon 4-series smartphone processors which comes in the form of Snapdragon 480. One of the chip’s main highlights is its integrated Snapdragon X51 5G chip which has also been equipped into the higher-end Snapdragon 690 that was launched last June.

For those who are unfamiliar with Qualcomm’s naming scheme for its Snapdragon chips, their name represents their market segment. For example, the highest-end chip family would be the Snapdragon 8-series which includes the recently announced Snapdragon 888 while the Snapdragon 2-series processors such as the Snapdragon 212 are meant for feature phones and entry-level smartphones.

Hence, Snapdragon 480 can be seen as Qualcomm’s latest effort to bring 5G connectivity to mainstream users after Snapdragon 690 and Snapdragon 765/765G. According to its specs sheet, the Snapdragon X51 modem within the processor can deliver up to 2.5Gbps and 800Mbps in terms of 5G and 4G download speeds alongside upload speeds of 660Mbps and 210Mbps through respective cellular technologies.

Two more premium features have also made their debut in the Snapdragon 4-series chip through the new Snapdragon 480 including the 120Hz refresh rate support for Full HD+ screen and Quick Charge 4+.  Aside from the integrated 5G modem, the 8nm processor is also equipped with Kryo 460 octa-core CPU that has a clock speed of up to 2.0GHz as well as Adreno 619 GPU, Hexagon 686 DSP, and Spectra 345 ISP.

While there are no actual products that are running on Snapdragon 480 yet at the moment, Qualcomm stated that such devices would be revealed starting from this month onwards. So, expect the chip to be featured in new phones that are coming your way very soon.